Freehand sketching

Definition or Meaning of Freehand Sketching

Freehand sketching is one of the quickest methods by which the shape of an object can be communicated to others without using any drawing instrument except a pen or a pencil. Examples of free hand sketches are:

Freehand sketching is of advantage because a good sketch reduces the amount of writing needed to describe an object.

The teacher should DEMONSTRATE general examples of freehand sketches to the students

EVALUATION

1. What is freehand sketching?
2. Name the instruments used in Freehand Sketching.

Techniques of Sketching

Sketching a Straight Line

A straight line is defined as the shortest distance between two points. We can use freehand to draw a fairly straight line by the following procedures.

1. Put a dash or dot far enough to the right-hand side of the paper.
2. Start to draw a line from the left-hand side to join the dash or dot with your eyes fixed on the point.

Sketching a Curve

To draw a curve by freehand, it will be necessary to plot some points not too far from each other at different levels, like this ——— with the points in position attempt to draw curves by joining the dashes or dots.

Sketching a Circle

To draw circles, the easiest way is to draw lines which are equal in diameter to the circle in different directions. Each line must be as faint and straight as possible, each crossing one another at a central point. Now, join the points by little curves from the top of each line. Try to draw other circles by means of joining two large curves having half the size as radius and full size in diameter.

Sketching a Square Box

This can be sketched in an isometric or oblique view. Isometric views have the vertical height and the base lines included at 45⁰ to the horizontal while the second base line is horizontal. Once it is decided which view to represent, the block is drawn by using a series of straight lines both vertical and horizontal, applying the techniques discussed earlier.

Sketching an Irregular Edge

Figures with irregular edges are best drawn by first sketching a regular or square block which can completely contain the object. The shape is then carefully shaped by using dotted lines joined to show the desired shape with appropriate curves.

EVALUATION

1. Briefly describe the technique of sketching a straight line and circle.
2. What is freehand sketching?
3. State one advantage of freehand sketching.